The Any Occasion Photography Blog

Bridal Bouquet Alternative: Brooch Bouquet

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Tracy Wimberly

An emerging alternative to the traditional floral bouquet is the brooch bouquet. You can make a wedding bouquet out of pins/brooches and create a unique wedding keepsake. Take pins of things you like, symbolic pins commemorating things in your relationship with the groom or collect pieces from family members to create something special.

Just keep in mind – it sure is heavy, so you may want to have a special place put aside for it during the reception. Also don’t forget a spare floral bouquet for your reception toss, because tossing this bouquet would take out anyone in its path!

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The Importance of Having a Back Up

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Tracy Wimberly

You may have noticed a gap in my blogs. Well, my WordPress blog encountered an unforeseen technical difficulty and I lost all of my blogs. I was able to find some of them cached on Google and could simply copy and paste them into my new WordPress blog, but some were not cached and I’ll have to write them over again as time permits.

I’m a firm believer in backing up everything. My web page, my images, my contracts…but I never thought to back up my blogs. I sure do now!

As a wedding photographer, I use back ups ALL the time. When I photograph a wedding, I always schedule a second photographer to go with me. My second photographer is a safety net in case of a problem. You never know when someone will walk in front of the camera or knock the photographer over. Yes, I’ve had these happen before and much more.

My back ups don’t stop there. I also bring back up equipment to every photo shoot. Back ups all around – camera batteries, flash batteries, extra compact flash cards, extra camera, extra flash, battery chargers, extra lenses and the list goes on. As the boy scout motto goes: Be Prepared. The boy scouts have nothing on me!

That’s not the end of my back up system. I also back up all of my images. First the images are immediately copied to the editing computer and to a back up external hard drive. Once the images have been edited they are then copied into a new folder on the external hard drive and uploaded to our ordering website. They are also still on our primary editing computer. That means your images are stored in at least three different places.

We are also a back up system for you! We keep your images on file for at least two years, with some as long as seven or eight. So if something happens to your images we can help!

Posted in Engagement Photography, Real Life Weddings, Senior Photography, Senior Pictures, Senior Portraits, Wedding Photography | Leave a comment

Wedding Cakes, Cupcakes, Dessert Table or Cake Pops…Which one?

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Tracy Wimberly

In the past everyone had a wedding cake, but these days there are tons of options available for brides. Which one is acceptable? All of them! Pick the one you like best. But wait! You don’t have to pick just one; you can pick as many as you want.

Wedding Cakes:Wedding Cake

This is the traditional wedding dessert. If you are having a large guest list this may be the way for you to go. Wedding cakes can feed a lot of people. Wedding cakes also allow you the most flexibility with your cake design. You can do pretty much any theme or design you want with a cake. The only limit is money and imagination.

Cupcakes:

If you something a little simpler and still want the taste of a cake, this could be the best choice for you. A lot of brides are going with a cake and cupcakes these days. In these cases most of the time there are two different flavors of cakes and icing.

Dessert Tables:

These are becoming increasingly popular at wedding receptions. Can’t decide on what type of cake/icing to choose, then try a dessert table. You can have as many different types as you want. You can even mix up the desserts with cake bites, brownies, fudge, eclairs…the sky’s the limit!

Cake Pops:

Just in the past two years, cake pops have emerged. A cake pop is a ball of cake (with or without a filling) with a candy coating on the outside. They can be decorated any way you want or left plain.

There’s a lot of choices out there for brides so check them out and see which is best for you!

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Bride’s Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Tracy Wimberly

So many times I hear a bride with some sort of a problem on their wedding day – make up on their dress, hair falling down, air conditioning not turned on early enough in the dressing room so it is hot, etc. Over the years I have come up with a list of things brides should bring with them on their wedding day in an emergency kit.

headache and allergy over the counter medicines

bottled water

sewing kit

snacks (for bridal party while getting ready, especially the kids – just be sure it’s not messy or could stain clothes if spilled)

clear nail polish (great for stopping runs in nylons)

bug repellent (especially for outdoor weddings)

bobby pins/safety pins (for last minute hair and dress fixes)

eye drops

spare pen

hair ties

spare lighters (for unity candles)

spare wedding music cd’s (for ceremony & reception)

mints

feminine products

tissues

small door stops (keep from getting locked out of rooms that automatically lock when closed that you don’t have a key for)

tape

tweezers

bandaids

spare pair of shoes (in case you break a heel or shoes are too tight and start to hurt your feet)

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Why choose Any Occasion Photography as your Wedding Photographer?

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

There are many photographers around, so why should you choose Any Bride Before CeremonyOccasion Photography?

1) You can choose between several affordable wedding packages. We know your wedding is special and unique. So if you want something different – we’re ultra flexible. We can customize a package just for you, so it will be as unique and special as your wedding.

2) You get all of your photos on CDs. These CDs contain your full resolution, finished images. We also give you reproduction and duplication rights. This allows you to print them anywhere, you want, and give copies to your friends and family. Your CDs are typically delivered 1 – 2 weeks after your wedding.

3) Your photos are each hand edited to ensure it is the best it can be! We start with a good photo, then edit your photos to make them even better. Take a look at some before and after samples: http://www.anyoccasionphotography.com/photo-enhancement.php.

4) Our photographers are friendly and go the extra mile to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly. You get two experienced, professional photographers, regardless of which wedding package you pick. This allows us to to better photograph your wedding, even faster, so you get to spend more time with your friends and family.

Here at Any Occasion Photography, we say “We love what we do – and it shows!“, but don’t just take our word for it. Here what some of our happy brides say:

“Any Occasion Photography was an excellent choice for our wedding photography. Their prices were very affordable. They had packages to accommodate our needs. Tracy was very professional. She worked with me and sent me checklist to help me decide on what pictures I wanted which was a big relief. It was one less thing for me to worry about. The quality of our photos was excellent! We were very pleased with all of them. Tracy had an excellent turn around time as well. I would recommend Any Occasion Photography to any one that wants hassle free, high quality, professional photography.”
- Alicia (see Alicia’s online gallery)

“Thanks to Tracy for doing a wonderful job on our wedding photos and making a beautiful photo album for us to show off our special day. Tracy was very professional, she helped us feel comfortable with our pictures and not worry at all about the photography. I would definitely recommend Any Occasion Photography to others.”
- Samantha

We love talking to brides! So feel free to contact me if you have questions, would like to schedule an appointment, or would like to book our services. We would love to photograph your wedding!

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Why Photographers Want To Be The Only One Taking Formal Pictures

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

Bride Outside Formal Portrait Spot ColorYou’ve all seen the contracts where the photographer specifies that they are to be the ONLY photographer taking pictures at the wedding. While I don’t mind during the reception, there are times when other photographers can really hinder a professional photographer’s work.

I don’t have a problem with others taking pictures during the ceremony so long as they don’t jump in front of me or push me. Yes, I have been pushed down a flight of stairs by a guest wanting a picture on her cell phone of the first kiss. As a result, I was unable to photograph the first kiss and luckily was able to re-stage the photograph (sometimes this is not possible due to venue time constraints).

But other people taking pictures during the formal photo session really creates many problems for professional wedding photographers. First, it slows things down and cuts into the amount of time scheduled. Second, you have people being photographed looking in multiple directions so no one gets a good photograph. Third, and most importantly, multiple flashes can overexpose the professional photographer’s image. We had this situation at the last wedding we photographed. I suggested a picture with the bride getting kissed on the cheek by the ring bearer. His mother wanted this picture as well and stepped in front of my second photographer and her flash went off at the same time as mine, resulting in an overexposed picture. Unfortunately the ring bearer was ready to leave and ran off before a second shot could be taken. As a result the bride will not have this photograph.

I am not trying to be egotistical when I put into my contracts that I want to be the only photographer, I am trying to protect the bride and groom. They invest good money purchasing the services of a professional wedding photographer and I am simply protecting their investment.

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Brownell/Ray Wedding

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

Congratulations Lindsay and Tom! We had so much fun photographing their wedding yesterday! Today we finished editing the before the ceremony and cake pictures. We’ve started editing the ceremony pictures and came across this adorable picture of three of the flowergirls in a wagon that was pulled down the aisle by two older flowergirls and just had to share. Brides – This worked fantastic for a wedding that had many flowergirls and only one ringbearer!

Check out other ceremony pictures photographed by Any Occasion Photography at: http://www.anyoccasionphotography.com/Photo-Gallery/Wedding/wedding-ceremony.php.

Flowergirls pulled down the aisle in a wagon during the wedding ceremony.

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Now Offering Photography, Videography and DJ Packages!!

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

Minister holds up wedding ring during ceremony.Why call three different companies when you can get your DJ, Photography, and Video needs met with one simple phone call?

Any Occasion Photography has teamed up with Elegant Entertainment to help you speed up your wedding planning. We have been providing Central Florida brides with superior DJ, Photography, and Video service for close to 22 years combined.

We are pleased to offer photography, videography and DJ combination packages starting at $1850! Check out our packages at: http://www.anyoccasionphotography.com/Package-Special-Deals/wedding-photography-videography-dj-packages.php.

Call us today to discuss your wedding needs!

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Want An Outdoor Wedding?

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

Outdoor weddings have been some of the most beautiful and romantic weddings I have Bride and Groom Outdoor Formal Spot Color with Swansever seen. And each year I see more and more brides and grooms decide on outdoor weddings.

Here are a few tips to consider before you book an outdoor venue.

  1. Book your wedding date at the end of May through October, if you want your nighttime wedding and reception outside and still want good light for your photographs. The sun sets later in the day so you get light as late as 8 pm.
  2. Try to find a shaded area for your ceremony site. Your guests will arrive and be outside at your ceremony site usually 30 minutes before your ceremony starts. In order to prevent hot and cranky guests try finding a shaded area that way they and you stay cooler.
  3. Make sure the location is big enough to hold the number of chairs you will need for the number of guests you are expecting.
  4. Make sure you have an alternate location on site in case it rains.
  5. Make sure your venue has running water. Some locations are so remote that there is no running water or well water which cannot support large numbers of people.
  6. Bring tissues if it is a hot day so you can blot sweat away.

Following these simple tips will ensure you have a wonderful outdoor wedding, and the photos to show it.

Posted in Pre Wedding Planning, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Photography, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Tips For a Great Engagement Session

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Tracy Wimberly

Couple shares a tender momentEngagement session styles have changed over the years. Ten years ago most Engagement sessions consisted of portraits at a photography studio. The past few years the style of Engagement sessions have become more laid-back and fun; designed to bring out the personality of the couple.

Here are a few tips to make your Engagement session (e-session)  fun and produce great photographs.

  1. Meet or speak with your photographer prior to your e-session. Tell them what types of pictures you are looking for.
  2. Pick a location you like, one that either has a special memory attached or a place that you like.
  3. Pick clothes that you will be comfortable in and don’t mind possibly getting dirty. Also bring a change of clothes because you may not like the first choice when you get to your location or you may mess up the first outfit.
  4. Pick a time when you will not be rushed. Pictures look so much better when the couple is not in a hurry. This also applies to picking a time when your location will not be really busy and crowded.
  5. Pick a time when there is good lighting or weather. Morning, before noon, typically works best.
  6. Last, but certainly not least, enjoy yourselves!!

Go to http://www.anyoccasionphotography.com/Photo-Gallery/Wedding/wedding-engagement-photos.php to see samples of engagement photos by Any Occasion Photography.

Posted in Engagement Photography, Pre Wedding Planning, Wedding Photography Tips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment